Valerie Bertinelli Opens Up About Childhood Sexual Abuse

Valerie Bertinelli, the 65-year-old actress known for her roles in "One Day at a Time" and "Touched by an Angel," has publicly shared her experience of being sexually abused at the age of 11. This revelation comes as part of her upcoming memoir, "Getting Naked," set to be released on March 10, 2026. In an interview with People, Bertinelli explained that the decision to disclose her trauma was a decade-long process, stating, “The very first time I said it out loud to my therapist, I thought, ‘I’m going to feel better now.’”

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Bertinelli described her journey of healing, noting that it initially became more challenging before it improved. She acknowledged coping mechanisms such as overeating and drinking to distract herself from her feelings. However, she emphasized the importance of confronting her trauma, saying, “You can deal with them or not. And I chose to deal with them.” She expressed a sense of empowerment, stating, “I don’t feel shame about it anymore. I’m pissed off that it happened. Nobody deserves that.”

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In her memoir, Bertinelli chose to open the chapter discussing her abuse with a photograph of herself at age 11, highlighting the innocence of the child who suffered. She remarked, “It boggles my mind that this little girl was taken advantage of that way,” and called for a collective effort to speak out against such abuses, declaring, “We need to start speaking up and saying, ‘Enough.’”

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Bertinelli credited her son, Wolfgang Van Halen, and her passion for cooking as crucial components of her healing process. She described her digital platform, Valerie’s Place, as a community space where individuals can come together and share experiences. “I want to build a community where everybody is welcome,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of connection in overcoming trauma.

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Bertinelli's representatives did not provide immediate comments regarding her revelations. However, her openness about her past has sparked discussions about the ongoing prevalence of sexual abuse and the necessity for survivors to share their stories.

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While Bertinelli's decision to speak out has been largely met with support, some critics argue that public figures should be cautious about sharing personal trauma, as it may inadvertently affect their mental health or public perception. Nonetheless, Bertinelli remains resolute in her choice to share her story, viewing it as a step toward healing.

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• “I can say it out loud. I was sexually assaulted. It doesn’t feel like it owns me anymore.” — Valerie Bertinelli

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• “And it boggles my mind that this little girl was taken advantage of that way.” — Valerie Bertinelli

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• “I want to build a community where everybody is welcome,” — Valerie Bertinelli

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Bertinelli's candidness about her childhood trauma serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of addressing and discussing sexual abuse, encouraging others to confront their own experiences and seek healing.

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